Holly Williams

Retail giant Toys ’R’ Us has filed for bankruptcy protection in the US and Canada after struggling amid mammoth debts and online competition.

But the group, which has about 1,600 stores worldwide and 64,000 employees, said its stores outside of the US and Canada – including the UK and Europe, as well as around 255 licensed stores and a joint venture in Asia – were not included in the so-called Chapter 11 filing.

Dave Brandon, chairman and chief executive of Toys ’R’ Us, said: “We are confident that we are taking the right steps to ensure that the iconic Toys ’R’ Us and Babies ’R’ Us brands live on for many generations.”

He added: “As the holiday season approaches, our global team members are ready to serve the millions of kids and families who will be shopping with us.”